Centrally located in the historic coal region of Southwest Virginia, the City of Norton is the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in our cultural mountain music and outdoor recreation offerings.

Established as a town in 1894, and later as an independent city in 1954, Norton is a community proud of its heritage. Early settlement occurred in Norton in the late 18th century. William Prince settled in the area in 1787, and his name was associated with that location for a century in the reference to it as Prince's Flats. As a rural frontier area, Prince's Flats prospered through development of agriculture and lumber-related industries. Amazingly, Norton’s first export was not coal but rhododendron roots to be used as piping.

The first U.S. post office was established in 1883 and named Eolia. This was changed in 1890 to Norton to honor Mr. Eckstein Norton, president of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.

For a business traveler or for a visitor wanting to see what the area has to offer, Norton’s convenient location and amenities (hotels, motels, restaurants, and shopping) provide a perfect hub to enjoy all that our region has to offer.

Within a short drive of the City’s hotels, are numerous natural attractions and some of the region’s “must see” destinations such as the Flag Rock Recreation Area, Norton’s mountainous masterpiece. Flag Rock affords visitors an overlook of the city from more than 1,000 feet above downtown. Picnic tables are scattered around unusual rock outcroppings. Camping sites, with electrical hookups, are available for a small nightly fee and RVs can be accommodated. Norton’s upper reservoir is stocked seasonally with trout for angling enthusiasts. Adjacent Jefferson National Forest is an outdoor person’s paradise with hunting, fishing and hiking opportunities.